Leon and the Volcanos of Nicaragua

We arrived in Leon just before dark and everyone we asked for help in orienting our way through the city was ready with a smile and eagerness to help. Though we got a little lost in translations due to our very bad Spanish language skills we found our way to the large and hip Lazy Bones hostel where we found comfortable accommodations and a hearty dinner just across the street. There is nothing like an ice cold agua gaseosa [that means soda water for the non-Spanish speaker].

Though a nice place to stay the loud noise and party like atmosphere pushed us to another hostel called Tortuga Booluda [the lazy turtle]...lots of laziness in the hosteling world out here i suppose. A more comfortable fit for the way we travel we settled in and were pleased to meet our hosts, the other travelers staying there, and find that they keep a guitar on hand as well!
The same day we wandered the city and admired massive catedrals whose peeling exteriors and blackening areas of wear and tear suggest a forgotten ancient ruin, but the comings and goings of the many parishoners and guests tell a very different story. Artisans and vendors in the square outside peddle their wares and every now and again you will hear a bell chime announcing the hour. Leon is a beautiful city filled with kind people ready to try to converse with two girls from the states with limited Spanish. I feel safe happy and very very hot.